October 19, 2007
Study Reveals Why Flu Thrives in Winter
Study Reveals Why Flu Thrives in Winter - Yahoo! NewsFor the first time, scientist have solid evidence suggesting exactly why the flu is so common in winter.
ADVERTISEMENTA new animal study suggests that the influenza virus' success hinges on low relative humidity and cold temperatures. Such conditions keep the virus more stable and in the air longer than warm, humid conditions, scientists said. And apparently, the frosty weather's role is more important than that of the human body in helping the virus thrive.
"We've always thought the immune system wasn't as active during the winter, but that doesn't really seem to be the case," said study coauthor Peter Palese, a virologist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
When we cough or sneeze, tiny droplets of water enter the air and hang around until they drop to the ground—or an unsuspecting passerby breathes them in. Once inside our airways, any flu viruses that have hitched a ride on the droplets can launch an attack.
"We found that the flu's transmission period is much, much longer when temperatures and humidity levels are low," Palese told LiveScience.
interesting
Posted by TY at October 19, 2007 10:42 AM
Want to add this to your webpage? Easy! Just copy and paste the following text into your page:
Permalink: http://www.tomorrowyesterday.com/2007/10/study_reveals_w.html
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.tomorrowyesterday.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-no-spam-tb.cgi/4693
